Small Sample Size Theatre

I was really considering using one of my Andrew McCutchen Home Run challenge cards in yesterday's matchup.

Unfortunately the numbers didn't play in Cutch's favor as he was facing Stephen Strasburg.  For those that forget Strasburg had a historic debut against the Pirates in 2010 striking out 14 batters including McCutchen once.

Prior to yesterday's game Cutch had only 3 hits (all singles) in 22 at bats.

Who would have thought he would take Strasburg yard in the 1st inning?

Today, Cutch and the Giants will be facing southpaw Gio Gonzalez.  Gio is one of the most underappreciated pitchers in the game. He has nearly 1,700 career strikeouts, over 125 Wins, and a career ERA of 3.58.  He is a two time All Star (2011 and 2012) and the 2012 NL Wins leader.

In his career Gio has faced Cutch for 23 at bats dating back to 2010.  Cutch has a career .929 OPS against the 2012 NL wins leader.  He hasn't connected for a homerun yet, but does have a .522 slugging percentage and 4 extra base hits.

Prior to the 2008 season both players were ranked as top 100 prospects in the game with Cutch at #24 and Gio at #56 according to baseball prospectus.  Gonzalez would make his MLB debut later that year and Cutch would debut the following June.

Because of their prospect status Just Minors featured the two on their 2005 Interleague Match-Ups series.

I currently have the Gold/10

AND

The Silver/25

Both are still sealed by the tamper proof Just Minors stickers.
There is currently an uncirculated black /2 on eBay but the seller is asking nearly $100 for the card.

Here's hoping Cutch takes Gio yard today so I can win one of those super rare winner cards.

Remembering the Biogenesis Scandal

As is customary for me every day on my lunch break, I was browsing eBay for more McCutchen cards to add to the PC.  I stumbled across a seller who had a bunch of Just Minors cards with Cutch's auto for under $20.  I tried to convince myself that I didn't need them.

I don't think I tried hard enough as I added 6 cards to my cart for checkout.

I'll show off some of the others in future posts, but these two were a reminder that no prospect is a guaranteed thing.  The MLB draft signing period is over and the trade deadline is just around the corner.  Many teams will begin selling off veteran established players in hopes of adding future cornerstone of a franchise.

The New York Mets thought they had two top outfielders in Carlos Gomez (stay tuned for a future featured hate rant on him in the next few weeks) and Fernando Martinez.

What they actually had was a guy who would be out of baseball by 2013, finishing his career as a .206 hitter.  Fernando Martinez was recognized in the 2013 Biogenesis Scandal and served his suspension.

I snagged both of these autos for $30 combined shipping.  It helped knock off a few more Cutch needs while giving me some great material for a blog post.

The Pirates are currently in the middle of a 4 game series with division leaders, Brewers.  Both teams will likely look to make small upgrades at the trade deadline.  Could we see some future PED prospects get moved that were once highly touted?

Clearly both the Pirates and Brewers are forgiving when it comes to PED tests.  Starling Marte made his return after serving his 80 game suspension and got a standing ovation from the fans.

Francisco Cervelli who was a key piece of the Pirates winning last night's game was also involved in the Biogenesis scandal.  Pittsburgh loves him.

Oh and let's not forget Ryan Braun.  He was involved in the Biogenesis scandal also and publically shamed a UPS driver to try and cover up another of his failed drug tests.  Milwaukee still loves Brauny tho.

Are guys who take PEDs forgiven too quickly by fans?

What about the wrongfully accused?
Gio Gonzalez was mentioned in the Biogenesis scandal but was later acquitted of the charges.  Yet he will forever have that blemish on his resume.